Industrial insulation manufacturing at Unit 2, Sovereign Park, Laporte Way, Luton

The site and surroundings

The site is a large industrial unit in an established employment estate, with residential properties beyond mature trees to the north.

“Background The Site 3. The application site is a white clad with dark blue detailing large industrial unit, one of three units located within a purpose-built industrial estate, Sovereign Park, built in the…”

“1990’s that has a mixture of offices, research, general industrial and Class B8 storage type industrial uses. It is arranged predominantly across the ground floor level with ancillary office space at ground and first floor level. Units 1 to 3, including the application site are set back from Laporte Way (which provides the principal access to the unit), behind its respective yard, which provides parking spaces and a servicing and delivery area .”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the use acceptable in principle and found no material harm to character, neighbours or highways, subject to conditions.

“The current scheme would not be subject to BNG as the proposed development would be subject to the de minimis exemption; it falls below the threshold as less than 25 sq. metres of habitat will be impacted because of the development. Concluding Remarks 42. The foregoing report demonstrates that the proposed change of use would be acceptable in principle and would have no material impact on the character or appearance of the surrounding area.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways identified no implications, and environmental protection raised no objection after receiving a revised noise assessment.

“Appendix 2: Technical Consultation Responses • LBC Highways: No highway implications are anticipated. • LBC Environmental Protection: Raised some initial concerns regarding the noise assessment submitted. Revised noise assessment report submitted to address the concerns raised. No objection to the revised noise assessment report.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The applicant’s representative withdrew the speaking request, while two objectors left before the item was heard.

The committee’s decision

The Chair moved the officer recommendation to approve the application, and it was seconded before approval was resolved.

“The application was notified to 36 neighbouring properties and a site notice posted. To date eight representations had been received. In accordance with the right to speak procedure, the Applicant’s representative, having registered to speak, had subsequently withdrawn his request as there were no registered objectors. Two objectors to the application (who had not registered to speak) left the Chamber before the item was heard.”

“Resolved: (i) That the reasons for approval set out in the report (Ref 7) be agreed. (ii) That planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions set out at Appendix 1 of the report. (iii) That delegated authority be granted to the Head of Planning to make minor alterations to the wording of the conditions, including adding and deleting conditions, following any Committee resolution to grant permission (should any be required). 29. 39-51 John Street Luton (Ref 8)”

Minutes

Conditions on the permission

Permission was subject to approved plans, a restricted insulation-manufacturing use, a management plan and limits on tonal bleepers.

“(02) The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out other than in complete accordance with the approved plans and specifications as set out on Luton Borough Council plan and document: 10-02-25-SL01, 17-02-25-BP02, 17- 02-25-PROP01, 17-02-25-PROP02,14342 – Noise Assessment Report (version 2), DC01 – Planning, Design & Access Statement, DC03 – Photo of Insulated Metal Roof Panel and DC04 – Photo of Insulated Metal Roof Panel.”

“(03) The building(s) and/or site shall be used for the manufacturing of industrial insulation as per the approved details and for no other purpose, including any other purpose within Class B2 specified in the schedule to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order, 1987; (or any provision equivalent to that Class in any statutory instrument revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification).”

Officer report